New to the world of wet-shaving? Grab a desk and be seated! Welcome to SMFU: A place to learn and compare notes about the ABC's of wet shaving. From brushes to creams, razors and more...We've got it all!

Let me start off by saying that it is a priviledge to be posting with you gentlemen. I have been lurking/practicing for three weeks and without this forum I can certainly say I would not be wetshaving with a DE razor.

It has without a doubt changed my quality of life. Any fellow newbies reading this should take the plunge. Odds are you will be glad you did.

I am not your typical target market for this type of shaving. I have 2 daughters still in diapers at home. I work 50 hours a week and my wife has a similar schedule. Time and sleep are at a premium. I previously shaved everyday, as fast as possible. I do a lot of chores everyday as fast as possible. It's not always fun, but that's life. I'm young enough that I was taught and grew up on cartridge style razors. In short I didn't know what I was missing.

For myself, making the switch has turned an everyday chore into a luxury. I could see it quickly progressing to a hobby. Now shaving is something nice that I do for myself that sets the tone for the entire day.
Think of it as breakfast for your face.

I want to add that in an odd roll reversal, I'm trying to bring my own Dad back into the fold of DE razors. He learned on one at a young age, but has yet to be enlightened.

Thank you also for your blade research, it was very helpful. I am currently working through a variety pack that includes Sharks, Derby, 7 O'clock's, and Feathers.

I'll be working on my technique before I try out (your favorite) Feathers.

I've got the bug I'm afraid, after one week of reading I've already purchased the Razor Rock XXX based on the SMF buzz. Had my first shave with it today coupled with a Derby. Quite enjoyable. It will be a nice alternate for the Proraso. I can see my tendencies leaning towards the menthol as my journey continues.

I just want to say that I appreciate how you commonly give creedence to products even though they are more common and inexpensive (Shark, Proraso). It makes it less daunting for us rookies. Trumper's skin food sounds awesome, but it would be foolish for me to purchase that in month number one (well at least my wife would think so) .

Dapper Dad wrote:I'll be working on my technique before I try out (your favorite) Feathers.

Certainly work on technique but my only regret thus far is avoiding the Feather blades due to all the talk of how sharp they are. I was thinking I had to wait for some zen like state of masterful shaving before trying them. They are just very good blades. If you aren't nicking yourself with the blades you are using no reason not to try one out.

I'll take that to heart Andrew. It's still just a blade right? Since I'm still playing the field with blades I plan to shave twice with each blade and then move on to the next.

The plan is Shark - Derby -7 O'Clock - Feather. Had my first Derby shave today so that means I'll be on Feathers within a week. So far both the Derby and Shark have done well. I give a slight nod to the Derby which seemed to cut down the beard a little better. No complaints either way though.

Thank you Marc! I certainly respect that experience. I am outgoing in nature, but plan to use my ears quite a bit. I'm reminded of the old saying, "there are those who know, and know they know....listen!"

If I'm lucky a member will have a question about an off topic that I have some experience with and I can return the favor.

I've been reading the forum for a few weeks to educate myself. I've enjoyed it so much that (despite having no experience) I realized that I wanted to participate and start posting.

With that in mind I liked how you handled the "guest" that was selling some kind of rose soap from Belgium. I'm a big IU basketball fan and it reminded me of fake fans that come to a forum and essentially try to undermine the integrity of the site.

I'm no expert in DE shaving, but I am an expert in Hoosier basketball. I take a similar stern stance with schills. Tip of the cap to you on that.

On the other side of the coin, my wife wants to have a word with you because you've got me thinking that it makes sense to buy a $65 bottle of Trumper's Skin Food after 2 weeks using a DE razor.

First off, welcome to SMF! Secondly, glad to have you on board and able to share the positive experience that DE shaving provides.
I've been DE & SE shaving since 1965 and since you're new to it, I can tell you it only gets better.

desertbadger wrote:First off, welcome to SMF! Secondly, glad to have you on board and able to share the positive experience that DE shaving provides.I've been DE & SE shaving since 1965 and since you're new to it, I can tell you it only gets better.

Eric I suggest you try some samples of skin food or aftershave balm before springing for a whole bottle. If you make a post in the Selling & Trading Forum the members may be able to help you out with that.

desertbadger wrote:First off, welcome to SMF! Secondly, glad to have you on board and able to share the positive experience that DE shaving provides.I've been DE & SE shaving since 1965 and since you're new to it, I can tell you it only gets better.

Regards,David

Thank you David! What did you start on in 1965?

Hi, Eric! Started with a Schick Injector, L model. A short time later, I added a model J1 Injector. A couple of months after that, an uncle gifted me a brand new 49' Gillette Super Speed DE. Since then, I've never looked back.

Squire wrote:Eric I suggest you try some samples of skin food or aftershave balm before springing for a whole bottle. If you make a post in the Selling & Trading Forum the members may be able to help you out with that.

Thanks Squire that's one part of the forum I haven't really checked out yet.

Hi Dapper Dad, and welcome among us. I've found this to be an excellent place to go to get "away" for a few peaceful and informative moments. I've always felt welcome here, and it is my hope that you and others will feel that way too.